Curiosity Weekly Fungal Zombies, Audible Enclaves, mRNA Vaccines
Apr 9, 2025
Dr. Carolyn Elya, a Harvard mycologist, dives into the bizarre world of fungi that hijack insect brains, drawing eerie comparisons to 'The Last of Us.' They discuss the broader implications of these 'zombie fungi' for understanding neurological diseases. The conversation also touches on how rising temperatures may make fungi more dangerous as pathogens. Additionally, the host explores new tech like 'Audible Enclaves,' and breaks down the science behind how mRNA vaccines prepare our immune systems, debunking common misconceptions.
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Audible Enclaves
- Researchers developed audible enclaves using ultrasonic waves and acoustic metasurfaces.
- This creates private listening experiences without headphones by bending sound waves.
Backyard Discovery
- Dr. Carolyn Elya's research on zombie fruit flies stemmed from a backyard discovery of insect zombies.
- This led her to study how fungal parasites control insect brains.
Fungal Manipulation
- Zombie fungi infect flies, consume their fat body tissue, and then trigger behavioral changes.
- These changes position the fly for optimal spore dispersal, culminating in death at sunset.